This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
For detailed odds and stats, check out the Fantasy Champions League: Wednesday Cheat Sheet.
MATCHES (EST)
2:45 p.m: Maribor v. Sevilla
2:45 p.m: RB Leipzig v. Besiktas
2:45 p.m: Shakhtar Donetsk v. Manchester City
2:45 p.m: Tottenham v. Apoel Nicosia
2:45 p.m: Porto v. Monaco
2:45 p.m: Liverpool v. Spartak Moscow
2:45 p.m: Feyenoord v. Napoli
2:45 p.m: Real Madrid v. Borussia Dortmund
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
FORWARDS
Cristiano Ronaldo, RM at BVB ($11,000): Real Madrid have already qualified for the round of 16 as Group H runners-up, but there is still plenty at stake for Ronaldo. There are a few Champions League records hanging in the balance, and we all know how much Ronaldo cares about piling up the individual awards and accolades -- especially when it involves besting counterpart Lionel Messi. A goal would make Ronaldo the first player ever to score in all six UCL group stage games, and a brace at home against Borussia Dortmund would see Ronaldo leapfrog Messi for the top spot on the all-time group stage goal-scorers leaderboard with 61 goals. As was the case with Messi on Tuesday, have a backup plan ready in case he doesn't start since it's not absolutely necessary for Madrid to include him in the lineup.
Mohamed Salah, LIV v. SPM ($10,500): Speaking of a backup plan, Salah is just $500 less than Ronaldo and has been scoring goals for fun recently. Liverpool are positioned to top Group E with a win at home over Spartak Moscow, but a shock loss could see the Reds miss out on the knockout round altogether. It wouldn't be surprising if Moscow hang around and make a game of it early, but Liverpool have too much attacking firepower and we can expect Salah to continue to be heavily involved going forward.
Emil Forsberg, RBL v BES ($7,300): Leipzig are on the outside looking in, as they would need to get a result at home against Besiktas and hope for some help from Monaco in order to see them through to the next round. Anything is possible, and with Besiktas resting multiple starters, Leipzig should have an easier time getting their part of the equation right. Forsberg somehow only managed five points in a 4-1 win over Monaco in his last UCL appearance, but he was averaging over 15 fantasy points per game in his previous four Champions League games. He's Leipzig's primary set piece taker, and makes for an affordable play in that second forward slot.
Editor's note: Forsberg was ruled out for Wednesday's match after this article was submitted.
MIDFIELDERS
Philippe Coutinho, LIV v. SPM ($10,300): Salah has been stealing the headlines recently, but Coutinho served up a 35-point reminder of what he brings to the table in a 5-1 win at Brighton on Saturday. Coutinho has emerged as Liverpool's main set piece taker, so while Salah may be a bigger goal-scoring threat, Coutinho seems to be the "safer" play based on his opportunities to rack up the peripherals.
Ever Banega, SEV at MAR ($7,600): Sevilla sit second in Group E and can clinch qualification with at least a draw in a favorable matchup at Maribor. Banega has been a reliable source of points during Champions League play, sending in multiple crosses and regularly hitting double-digit fantasy points. His salary has crept up since being able to play him for nearly $2K less earlier in the season, but considering his reliable fantasy output, the matchup and what's at stake, a case can be made to make room for the Argentine.
Marlos, SHK v. MCI ($5,600): Shakhtar's Champions League fate is in their hands, as a win or draw at home against Manchester City would be enough to put them through to the knockout round. Manchester City have already qualified in first place, and Shakhtar's chances to get a result could be helped by City resting key players. Marlos is a key part of Shakhtar's attack and will be looking to build on his four-goal, three-assist November. He takes a good chunk of Shakhtar's set pieces, and in a vital game he'll be looked to for continued production even in a potentially tough matchup.
DEFENDERS
Alex Telles, POR v. MCO ($6,000): Telles turned up with a five-point dud in his last UCL outing, but it's back to the well with Porto on the brink of qualification. In four group stage games leading up to the disappointing showing, Telles was averaging 12 fantasy points per game, and as Porto's primary set piece taker he has a good chance at getting back to double-digits.
Danny Rose, TOT v. APO ($5,600): Rose has a combined 28 crosses over his last three starts and has managed double-digit fantasy points in each of those games. With Spurs locked in as Group H winners, they have already announced they'll be resting several of their big name players. With usual set piece taker Christian Eriksen omitted from the squad, there's a good possibility Rose will shoulder some of the load on corners if he's in the lineup -- putting him in a good position to continue to produce.
Andrey Eshchenko, SPM at LIV ($4,000): Moscow have a long shot at back-dooring their way into the round of 16 by pulling off an upset at Anfield, and while I don't see that happening I do think the Russian club will put up a fight. Eshchenko is averaging over nine fantasy points per game in UCL play, and he posted eight points against Liverpool earlier in the season. If Moscow put their best foot forward, Eshchenko could prove to be a salary-saver while flirting with double-digits once more.
GOALKEEPER
Andriy Pyatov, SHK v. MCI ($4,800): Pyatov will look to bounce back from a goose egg in his last UCL outing as Shakhtar advance with a win or a draw at home against Manchester City. Even with the zero-point tally at Napoli he's averaging over nine fantasy points per game through five group stage matches, and with a spot in the next round at stake Pyatov will be relied upon to help see Shakhtar through.
